Summary

The Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory supports a thriving research program in the Department of Pediatrics. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator to perform responsible research work that requires planning and completing research projects in accordance with general approved research plans.

Job Duties

• Designs and conducts research experiments. 
• Selects and determines appropriate research procedures with input and approval from the Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator. 
• Ensures accurate data collection, data entry, documentation, and organization of research projects. 
• Collects, compiles and analyzes data. 
• Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigators. 
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study. 
• May collect, process, ship, and maintain paperwork for specimens according to procedures outlined in study protocol. 
• Maintains records and regulatory documents for research studies. 
• Organizes study research documents following specific protocol guidelines. 
• Research assistant will also be responsible for completing relevant protocol documents, maintaining research logs, providing study updates, and completing study progress reports. 
• Works in a team environment with faculty and other staff members to ensure protocol objectives are being met. 
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment. 
• May develop and modify computer programs. 
• May assign activities to less experienced research staff.
• Maintains knowledge on state-of-the-science techniques for the processing and analysis of biospecimens for molecular epidemiology research studies.  
• Maintains accurate inventory of biospecimens across multiple epidemiological research studies.  
• Identifies and conducts quality control assays to ensure sample integrity for multiple epidemiological research studies.  
• Coordinates research activities with staff in core facilities to ensure research project goals are met.  
• Works closely with Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator to identify appropriate research assays for various projects and conducts tests of assay reliability and reproducibility.  
• Works closely with Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator to troubleshoot assay performance.  
• Makes suggestions for changes to laboratory workflows and assays, as needed for various research projects.
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field.
• Two years of relevant experience.